Dia Mirza is known for being honest and candid. She doesn’t mince her words and has always chosen a path which has been different and unconventional. Despite the highs and the lows, the actress manages to have a life outside of showbiz while being an integral part of it. Dia Mirza is known for being honest and candid. She doesn’t mince her words and has always chosen a path which has been different and unconventional. Despite the highs and the lows, the actress manages to have a life outside of showbiz while being an integral part of it.

Speaking about why she was never a part of the ‘rat race’, Dia said, “In 2010, I set up a production company called ‘Born Free Entertainment’, and I produced my first film at the age of 26 that I acted in. And I think that experience really changed a lot for me. And the reason why I set up the production houses is because I was tired of waiting for the kinds of parts that I wanted to play to come my way.”

She further explained, “I decided to create that opportunity for myself, and those around me who I believed had the talent and the intent to deliver. And almost every one who was a part of that film has gone on to do such wonderful things with their lives as actors and are just beautiful people. And I think that was also a time when I realised that I needed to stop limiting my growth by focusing on the outcome of the business. So I just have to work on my craft and myself. And I have to seek opportunities that I can be my best version of.”

Explaining what compelled her to take that decision, Dia stressed, “The wait is very long. There have been times when I have waited six months, eight months, sometimes two years.”

Describing how the wait can be daunting, Dia mentioned, “I remember my longest wait was two years. Two years, I didn’t hear from a single filmmaker, and it was possibly the hardest time of my life. But I filled those two years with so much life,” and added, “I did so many things. I travelled and spent time with different communities. I learned different crafts. I spend time with family. I picked up hobbies. I grew.”

She concluded, “When you are an actor, you sign up for a lifetime of waiting. Basically, if you are a creative person, you sign up for this.”